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Science News Archive 2023 - Page 367


Page 367 of 444

Hair analysis shows child drug use could be twice as high as we think

A study of over 1,300 children aged 9-13 found a significant increase in substance use when combining hair analysis with survey results, nearly doubling the estimated number of child drug users. This suggests that hair analysis is a more accurate method for assessing adolescent substance abuse than self-reporting alone.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalThe American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse·TypeObservational study·DateMar 6, 2023

Gene and cell therapies to combat pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is an incurable form of cancer, but gene therapies are being developed to treat it. The article reviews ongoing clinical trials and discusses various biotherapies, including vaccines and CAR-T cell therapy.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

New study uncovers key culprit behind pediatric brain cancer metastasis

Researchers have identified a key cause of metastasis from aggressive brain cancer in children and found a potential new therapy. Medulloblastoma cells hijack neurodevelopmental signaling pathways to promote tumor cell spreading. Targeting these pathways with a drug called dasatinib has shown promise in killing metastatic tumors.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

High-member low-dimensional Sn-based perovskite solar cells

Researchers have developed high-member low-dimensional Sn-based perovskite solar cells using phenethylammonium thiocyanate, which improves their efficiency and reduces bimolecular recombination rates. The new structure has a higher crystal quality, leading to enhanced power conversion efficiency.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Chemistry·DateMar 6, 2023

The marathon runners of the immune system

A biological messenger called interleukin-33 (IL-33) plays a crucial role in maintaining cytotoxic T cells' 'marathon runner' state, allowing them to provide sustained immunity against chronic infections. This finding has implications for improving treatment of hepatitis C and cancer immunotherapy.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

Cheap charcoal air filters offer improvements to in-vehicle air quality

A cheap charcoal air filter can significantly improve in-vehicle air quality, reducing nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels by up to 90%. The study found that NO2 concentrations were on average 14.3 times lower with activated carbon filters fitted compared to pollen filters.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

Wheeled robot measures leaf angles to help breed better corn plants

Researchers have developed a robotic system called AngleNet that measures leaf angles on corn plants, providing plant breeders with accurate data more quickly. The technology uses stereo vision and deep convolutional neural networks to capture images of leaves at different heights, enabling 3D modeling and precise measurements.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Field Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

UCLA engineers design solar roofs to harvest energy for greenhouses

Researchers at UCLA have developed a new type of solar roof that can harness energy from sunlight without blocking light for plants. The innovative design uses semi-transparent organic solar cells with a layer of L-glutathione, which extends the cells' lifetime and improves efficiency.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

Study finds silicon, gold and copper among new weapons against COVID-19

New study by Curtin University researchers finds that silicon, gold, and copper can trap and destroy the spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2, likely killing the virus. The materials can be used in air filters, coatings, or fabric to capture coronaviruses and prevent infection.

SourceCurtin University·JournalChemical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

Risk of thrombotic events should not exclude transgender people from receiving hormone therapy, according to new guidance

Research suggests that withholding gender-affirming hormone therapy from transgender individuals may have negative mental and physical effects. A new study provides comprehensive guidance for assessing, managing, and treating venous thromboembolism in transgender patients receiving feminizing hormone therapy.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalEndocrine Practice·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 6, 2023

Diversity training for police officers: one-and-done efforts aren't enough

A recent study found that diversity trainings for police officers are ineffective in changing behavior, as intentions to use strategies decrease over time. The researchers recommend embedding lessons with other organizational initiatives and providing 'super-tailored strategies' to address specific daily work activities.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

Does the artificial watercourse in the Hessian Ried have a Roman past?

A new German Research Foundation-funded project investigates the possibility that a Roman land ditch was created in the Hessian Ried in the 1st century AD. The research aims to find the canal's original course and study its relationship with nearby Roman settlement sites.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

How heavy alcohol consumption increases brain inflammation

A Scripps Research team has found that heavy alcohol consumption increases brain inflammation, leading to changes in signaling pathways and behavior. The study suggests a potential new drug target for treating alcohol use disorder by targeting the interleukin-1β pathway.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·DateMar 6, 2023

Growing crops at solar farms can boost panel performance, longevity

Research at Cornell University found that co-locating solar panels with commercial agriculture can improve power conversion efficiency and solar-panel longevity. Agrivoltaic systems offer increased passive cooling through taller panel heights, more reflective ground cover, and higher evapotranspiration rates.

SourceCornell University·JournalApplied Energy·DateMar 6, 2023

High-dose anticoagulation can reduce intubations and improve survival for hospitalized COVID-19 patients

High-dose anticoagulation reduces intubations and deaths by 30% in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, especially those with ARDS. The study found a significant reduction in mortality and need for ICU care among patients treated with therapeutic anticoagulation.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 6, 2023

Siblings should be screened in cases of suspected child physical abuse

A new consensus statement calls for routine radiological screening of contact children in suspected child physical abuse cases to prevent further harm. Siblings are at risk of experiencing physical abuse, with a strong association between index and contact children.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 6, 2023

Long-term intermittent fasting reduces COVID-19 heart failure complications and death in patients with previous heart disease

A new study by Intermountain Health found that long-term intermittent fasting can lead to better outcomes in COVID-19 patients who required cardiac catheterization. Patients who practiced regular fasting had a lower rate of heart failure-related hospitalization, complications, and death compared to those who did not fast. The study sug...

SourceIntermountain Healthcare·TypeObservational study·DateMar 6, 2023

New study reveals biosafety effects of moderate and high static magnetic fields

A recent study published in Antioxidants & Zoological Research found that moderate static magnetic fields can delay natural aging in healthy mice and alleviate chronic kidney injury induced by chemotherapy. High-grade exposure, however, had detrimental effects on diabetic mice, including organ damage and reduced survival rates.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAntioxidants·DateMar 6, 2023

Higher trust in public health agencies during COVID-19 driven more by beliefs that agencies led with clear, science-based recommendations and provided protective resources, than by beliefs that agencies controlled outbreak

Researchers found that trust in federal, state, and local public health agencies was driven by beliefs in scientific expertise and provision of direct care, not control of outbreaks. Lower trust was related to concerns about conflicting recommendations and perceived political influence.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeSurvey·DateMar 6, 2023

Deep-learning-based anatomical landmark identification in CT scans

A novel AI architecture, relational reasoning network, accurately identifies anatomical landmarks in CT scans for orthodontic treatments. The model learns spatial relationships between landmarks without explicit image segmentation, achieving accuracy comparable to conventional methods.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Medical Imaging·DateMar 6, 2023

Bees follow linear landmarks to find their way home, just like the first pilots

Researchers have found that honeybees use linear landscape elements, such as irrigation channels, to guide their search flights when looking for their hive in new areas. The bees retain a navigational memory of their home area based on these elements, which they generalize to the new area to find their way home.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

New insights into the development of Alzheimer's disease

The study found that oxidized membranes accelerate the aggregation of certain peptides associated with Alzheimer's disease, while others are prevented from aggregating. The research provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying peptide aggregation near lipid membranes.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalChemical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

Assessing the risk of excess folic acid intake

A recent study published in Cell Discovery found that high levels of folic acid supplementation may increase DNA mutation rates and impair DNA repair mechanisms. The researchers discovered a 'Goldilocks Effect' where too little or too much folic acid is detrimental to human health.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

The Access to Advanced Health Institute reports encouraging results of first-in-human trial of its temperature-stable tuberculosis vaccine candidate

A Phase 1 clinical trial of AAHI's thermostable, freeze-dried single-vial ID93 + GLA-SE vaccine candidate showed higher levels of antibodies and favorable cellular immune responses compared to the two-vial presentation. The results represent significant progress in global efforts to combat TB.

SourceAccess to Advanced Health Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 6, 2023

The positive outlooks of studying negatively-charged chiral molecules

Researchers at Fritz Haber Institute develop a new technique to analyze negatively-charged chiral molecules using PECD spectroscopy. The method offers improved sensitivity and ability to distinguish between enantiomers, enabling the study of isolated molecules at low concentrations.

SourceFritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 6, 2023

Major medical organizations form a coalition to stem the rising tide of firearm violence using a comprehensive public health approach

Leading medical organizations have formed a coalition to combat the growing problem of firearm violence in the US. The Healthcare Coalition for Firearm Injury Prevention aims to promote education, advocacy, and community-centered approaches to reduce firearm-related injuries.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMar 6, 2023

Physician workforce planning must adjust for aging population, changing practice patterns: New analysis

A new analysis finds that Canada's physician workforce is facing significant challenges due to an aging population and decreasing working hours. The study suggests that traditional metrics for workforce planning are misleading, and a more nuanced approach is needed to inform government and medical profession decisions.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 6, 2023

Octapharma USA research at AAAAI: cutaquig® study at higher infusion rates presented

A new cutaquig study found that increasing infusion volume per site resulted in a reduction of injection sites, while increasing infusion rates decreased infusion duration. The research also showed that dosing every other week demonstrated equivalency to trough levels with weekly dosing.

SourceYankee Public Relations·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 6, 2023

Drones detect moss beds and changes to Antarctica climate

Researchers used drones to map large areas of Antarctica, capturing unprecedented high-resolution imagery of vegetation and biodiversity in protected areas. The vision identified areas with moss and lichen not previously picked up by satellite, providing valuable insights into the fragile ecosystem.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalConservation Biology·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 6, 2023

Astronomers detect radio recombination lines of carbon/oxygen ions for first time

Researchers from Shanghai Astronomical Observatory detect radio recombination lines of carbon and oxygen ions for the first time, using the TianMa 65-m Radio Telescope. The discovery allows for accurate measurement of element abundances and has significant implications for studying interstellar chemistry and molecular formation.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateMar 6, 2023

Greater gender equality helps both women and men live longer

A global study has found that greater gender equality is associated with longer life expectancy for both women and men. The study, published in the lead up to International Women's Day, suggests that addressing longstanding gender inequality can help extend longevity for all genders.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 6, 2023

Mineral particles and their role in oxygenating the Earth’s atmosphere

Researchers found that mineral-organic carbon preservation slowed down decomposition, allowing atmospheric oxygen levels to increase unhindered. This process enabled complex life forms to evolve and ultimately led to the development of intelligent life on Earth.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 6, 2023

Purification of DNA nanostructures from hydrophobic aggregates

Researchers developed a simple purification method using surfactants to separate hydrophobic DNA nanostructures from aggregates, enabling the construction of artificial cells and complex functions in molecular robots. The purified structures retain their ability to bind lipid vesicle surfaces.

SourceKyutech·JournalChemBioChem·DateMar 6, 2023

Trouble falling asleep at bedtime or in the middle of the night? It could impact your risk for developing dementia

A new study found significant links between sleep disturbances and the risk for developing dementia over a 10-year period. Sleep-maintenance insomnia was associated with a lower risk of dementia, while sleep-initiation insomnia and sleep medication use were linked to an increased risk.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 6, 2023

How to prevent concussions in football? Better helmets

Researchers found that no single helmet design consistently reduced concussion incidence, with the back of the helmet showing vulnerabilities. The study suggests combining lab tests with field-based impact tracking could provide better protection for athletes.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

Incidence rates of diabetes continue to increase in children, young adults

A recent study found that the incidence rates of type 1 and type 2 diabetes continue to rise in children and young adults in the US. Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic youth were particularly affected, with higher incidence rates compared to non-Hispanic white peers.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateMar 6, 2023

Mississippi River Delta study reveals which human actions contribute to land loss

Researchers found that levee building and extracting subsurface resources are the main causes of land loss in the Mississippi River Delta, accounting for 40% each. The study suggests that reducing subsurface resource extraction may have slowed down land loss, offering a rosier outlook for restoration projects.

SourceIndiana University·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 6, 2023

Eradicating polio will require changing the current public health strategy

Global virus network experts propose changes to global polio eradication strategy, emphasizing the need for high vaccination coverage and adaptable policies. They suggest using both inactivated and live, weakened vaccines, as well as reconvening a scientific advisory group to respond to new data and public health emergencies.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 6, 2023

World first study into global daily air pollution shows almost nowhere on Earth is safe

A new study by Monash University found that almost nowhere on Earth is safe from air pollution, with only 0.001% of the global population exposed to safe levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). The study, which analyzed data from 2000-2019, revealed increasing pollution levels in Southern Asia, Australia, and Latin America.

SourceMonash University·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 6, 2023

Two-dimensional quantum freeze

Researchers from ETH Zurich have achieved groundbreaking cooling of a glass nanoparticle along two directions of motion, overcoming the 'Dark Mode Effect'. This breakthrough enables the creation of fragile quantum states and paves the way for ultrasensitive gyroscopes and sensors.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

Pregnant people with schizophrenia have threefold risk of interpersonal violence

A new study found pregnant people with schizophrenia are three times more likely to experience emergency department visits for interpersonal violence. The research emphasizes the importance of routine violence screening in antenatal care settings to prevent harm to patients and their children.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMar 6, 2023

AI chatbot ChatGPT mirrors its users to appear intelligent

Researchers explore how AI language models like ChatGPT understand and respond to user input, mirroring their users' intelligence. The Reverse Turing Test reveals that chatbots reflect the intelligence level of their interviewers, incorporating their biases into responses.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNeural Computation·DateMar 6, 2023

Researchers design new heterostructured interface for Zn batteries

Researchers designed a heterostructured interface for Zn batteries with ultrahigh areal capacity and energy density. The new design stabilizes electrodeposition and dissolution of Zn at high capacities, enabling excellent cycling stability.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 6, 2023